As Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector prepares for the 2026/27 farming season amid climate uncertainties, climate resilience and smart agriculture will feature prominently at the upcoming National Agriculture Conference and Expo (NACE 2026).

Stakeholders convening at the high-level event will deliberate on practical measures aimed at protecting food production against changing weather patterns and potential El Niño shocks.

Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development in partnership with the Agricultural Marketing Authority and Africa Economic Development Strategies, NACE 2026 will run from September 24 to 25 at the Diamond Conference Centre at the University of Zimbabwe.

With forecasts pointing to the possibility of El Niño-induced dry conditions, attention is increasingly turning to farming methods that can help producers minimise risk and maintain productivity despite climate-related challenges.

The conference will place a spotlight on climate resilience and smart agriculture, one of the key pillars aimed at ensuring sustainable agricultural growth while protecting farmers from the impact of droughts and erratic rainfall.

Speaking on accelerated climate-smart production, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, urged farmers to make production decisions that take climate forecasts into account.

“Farmers should consider drought-tolerant crop varieties, including traditional grains and early-maturing seed, while embracing conservation farming practices and efficient irrigation where resources permit. The decisions made before planting will have a direct impact on the harvest,” he said.

Discussions at NACE are expected to focus on how farmers, agribusinesses, researchers and policymakers can work together to accelerate the adoption of climate -smart technologies and sustainable production systems.

Irrigation development, improved water management, conservation agriculture and access to climate information services are among the interventions seen as critical in helping farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.

The conference will also explore investment opportunities arising from the transition towards climate-smart agriculture.

These include irrigation equipment, drought-resistant seed varieties, water-harvesting technologies and digital solutions that help farmers make informed decisions based on weather and market information.

For Zimbabwe, where agriculture remains a major contributor to economic activity and rural livelihoods, building resilience against climate-related risks has become increasingly important.

Stakeholders argue that improving the sector’s capacity to respond to adverse weather conditions will be key to sustaining production, enhancing food security and supporting broader economic growth.

As preparations for the upcoming agriculture season gather momentum, NACE is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and solutions that can help farmers navigate the realities of a changing climate while maintaining productivity and profitability.